Britain to sizzle in ANOTHER week of summer glory but thunderstorms could bring floods

BRITAIN will sizzle in another week of summer glory with temperatures set to stay well above average for the time of year.

Plenty more sun and blue skies are on the way for some [GETTY: PIC POSED BY MODELS]

Forecasters said the mercury will continue to hover around the 81F (27C) mark into the weekend with plenty more sun and blue skies on the way.

However they warned there is a risk of heavy downpours down the east coast tomorrow and Wednesday with up to half a month's rain expected in a few hours.

The Met Office tonight issued a severe weather warning for the region and said intense downpours may trigger surface water flooding.

Spokeswoman Laura Young said 1.2inches (30mm) of rain, half a month's worth, could fall in two hours.

She said: "There is some uncertainty at the moment but there is a weather warning for rain along the east coast on Tuesday.

"These downpours could be quite heavy and intense leading to some surface flooding, so it is something to keep an eye on.

"However it is still going to be warm and getting warmer in most places all week with 27C likely by Friday."

A Met Office statement warned: "Slow-moving heavy showers, with possible thunder, are likely to develop from late morning on Tuesday across some eastern parts of England and Scotland.

"The public should be aware of possible surface water flooding, although, as is often the case in such situations, many places will escape the heaviest downpours."

Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said next week will feel "hot and humid" as warm air is pulled in from the Continent.

He said: "It is going to be a very moist heat lasting through next week, and there could also be some very juicy thunderstorms on the way."

As Britain continues to swelter in warmer than average temperatures, bookmakers have been slashing the odds on July being the hottest on record.

But the east coast should be prepared for heavy rain tomorrow and Wednesday [GETTY]

There is some uncertainty at the moment but there is a weather warning for rain along the east coast on Tuesday

Laura Young, Met Office spokeswoman

Coral is offering 1-2 that this month is the warmest July in history beating the 2006 record of 64F (17.8C) for the average temperatures for the month.

Spokeswoman Nicola McGeady said: "Just when we think the weather can't get any hotter, punters have turned up the heat by backing highs of 30C [86F] this week."

"We're already convinced that this July will be the hottest on record, but if the mercury continues to rise, we could see a hosepipe ban being imposed."

James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, said: "As we progress throughout this week it will turn progressively warmer and become less unsettled.

"Temperatures are likely to feature in the mid 20s at the very least across large parts of the country towards the end of the week, and it is likely to become quite hot in places by the weekend and into the following week."

Netweather forecaster Nick Finnis said Tuesday will bring sunshine and showers across the UK with the east in for the heaviest downpours.

He said: "Showers are likely to start off across western areas in the morning, with a dry and sunny start in the east.

"[Tuesday] will see a subtle shift through the day in the distribution of the heaviest and most frequent showers towards more eastern areas of Scotland and England, with anywhere from eastern Scotland down to the London area at risk of a heavy and thundery downpour during the afternoon and evening.

"Wednesday is looking dry and sunny for many of us, with temperatures reaching 22C [72F] in the south, 19C [66F] in the north."

The Met Office last night announced Met Office director Rob Varley will replace John Hirst CBE as chief executive from September.

Mr Varley has worked for the Met Office for more than 30 years, starting his career as a weather forecaster and was appointed director in 2007.

Business Minister Michael Fallon said: "I am pleased to appoint Rob Varley as Chief Executive of the Met Office. Rob will bring an extensive range of skills from his tenure as Director. His operational experience and customer insight will help the Met Office create new opportunities in the UK and overseas."

Greg Clarke, Met Office chairman, added: "Rob Varley is an award winning director and a leading meteorologist who understands how the weather impacts our customers and is adept at helping them manage weather risks and opportunities.

"Rob is a tremendous asset to the Met Office, and I am delighted to be working and supporting him in his role as Chief Executive."